Employment


August 27, 2009: 6:38 pm: Business, Economy, Employment

The economic woes that were hurting the sales that Starbucks had recently have been  turning around.  Part of the reason for the turn is due to the marketing methods McDonald’s have employed.  Since McDonald’s has come out with its own brand of coffee that it has been aggressively marketing through sales training and other resources at its disposal, it has improved the recognition of coffee in food industry for customers .  Starbucks as a result has felt some improvement in sales because of the recognition coffee has been getting overall in this business quarter.  Sales were down by about six percent this quarter but that was better than the eight percent of the previous quarter.  Analysts are hoping the upward trend continues.  

Though the advertising campaign McDonald’s used will of course benfit the company itself more than it will Starbucks, the improvement is still appreciated by Starbucks business executives.   The McCafe advertisement campaign cost about $100 million dollars.  Starbucks in the meantime this year, spent only $28 million in comparison.  Other competitors still in the advertising race include Dunkin Donuts.  However, Starbucks remains the main competitor.

Starbucks knows it’s time for a refurbishment in how they do sales.  In their new advertising campaign they have begun work that promises to aid in sales process improvement.  They will continue their spectacular use of social media in addition to more common media.  Because of company loyalty that Starbucks has grown through making a trusted coffee brand, executives plan to exploit that strong point.  It will more than excuse any large costs the fresh marketing campaign might bring.  Factors that show the loyalty customers have given Starbucks comes in the form of the three and a half million people that have friended the company Facebook, and a growing account on Twitter.

The campaign will most likely look to associating with their customers in a more straightforward way.  Social sites like Facebook look to be a part of the new way Starbucks sets trends in social media.  Many companies have taken their cues from the Starbucks and the way the company interacts with its customers.

June 15, 2009: 3:19 pm: Arts & Culture, Automotive, Economy, Employment, Finance, Food, Health, Sport, Travel

The various neighborhoods of Singapore, are one of the unique aspects of the culture on the island.  There is rich heritage and a great diversity in that heritage.  While there is this contrast, there is also a blend that is harmonious, be it in the variety of the Singapore restaurants, the architecture, and the arts.  This little island offers the of the Eastern cultures and traditions and the best of the Western as well.  In one tour, one will go from the future, to the past in a single day, from conservative business centers to exotic market places.  One may pass a Hindu or a Chinese Temple, a Muslim Mosque, or a Catholic church all side by side on the same city street.  One may start the day with breakfast as the Singapore Zoo with the orangutans, have afternoon tea at one of the traditional tea houses, and then dress up for a night at the Opera or with the Symphony.  Every day brings something new and different in the city. In the Little India neighborhood, one will feel as though they are truly walking through a smaller version of Goa or Kerela.  The streets are filled with spice shops, palm readers, and the incredible scents flowing out of the kitchens and the restaurants.  Many of the Indians that have immigrated throughout the years live in this enchanting sector.  Little Arabia, (http://www.the-inncrowd.com/littleindiawalk.htm)is filled with mosques, notable the Sultan Mosque which is an architectural wonder.  There are many market places selling everything from vintage Arabic clothing to scarves and jewelry.  This, as in all of the neighborhoods of Singapore, is filled with a variety of options for delicious meals.  The architecture of the Mosque varies incredibly from the style of the Saint Andrew’s Cathedral.  Colonial style is indicative in the spire and the grand white columns.  Then, just down the way is the Renaissance building, the Church of the Good Shepherd, with is the oldest Catholic church throughout Singapore.  All three of these buildings are among those that are most photographed and most admired.

November 28, 2008: 11:23 am: Business, Employment

Going up the corporate ladder can be difficult for most, especially when the economy is not doing well. Obtaining more training and education during these times helps ensure job security and can increase an employees usefulness to an organization.

Enrolling in management training is useful to learn how to better interact with your peers and get more out of your team.  This can also teach managers more effective ways of dealing with their employees to ensure they maximize their talents. These skills have the potential to decrease employee turnover as employee satisfaction ratings would increase due to improved relations with their manager.

Enrolling in sales training is another course to keep in mind when trying to improve your skill set.  Even if you’re not selling to in the traditional sense, you’re always selling. Trying to convince a boss, employee, shareholder, or any other stakeholder to believe you or take an action is ultimately selling.  To become more proficient in this area will only help you down the line.

Presentation training could also be useful as the higher you get up the corporate ladder the more presentations you give. Whether it’s employees, management, or shareholders, the better you come across the more secure your job will be and in times like these, the more security the better.

May 16, 2008: 2:53 pm: Employment, Sport

There was time when a vocation such as teaching golf was considered something to do as a hobby or a side job. With the golf industry now booming the way it is, becoming a full time golf coach or instructor is quite common. Golf is a highly popular sport and there is hardly a city that doesn’t have a municipal golf course; this is in addition to whatever private courses there may be. Golf is played by individuals from all walks of life as a way to relax and keep the mind and body in good shape. Those who play the sport are well known for constantly trying to improve their game using the expertise of instructors.

When an individual finds they have a knack for teaching and a love of golf, they can turn to SDGA to help them create a wonderful career. Not only does an individual reap the benefits of a well-rounded education, so do those who later come under the graduate’s tutelage. If one decides their strengths would be better for a golf career in management, he or she will be glad to know there is an option available along these lines as well.